Zucchini & Bacon Fritters With Smoked Salmon Spread

This was a wonderful lunch for my Hubby and I while we played Chinese checkers…(which is really a German game…)?! Since zucchini are pouring out of my garden, making them new and delicious is a must. I didn’t want to make the same old fried or spaghetti zucchini and since I love all things smoked I decided to make the whole dish a smoky flavored dish…Success!!! Don’t you love when that happens???

Zucchini Fritters
2 zucchini
4 slices smoked bacon, crisply cooked
1 (+)Tbs flour
1 egg
2 Tbs minced red onion
1 small clove garlic minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika

Smoked Salmon Spread
16 Smoked Salmon
1 Tbs minced shallot
1 small garlic clove minced
1/4 cup chives chopped
1/8 cup parsley chopped
1 cup whipped cream cheese
salt & Pepper
1 Tbs fresh squeezed lemon

Shred the zucchini and toss in a bowl with some salt. Place in a strainer for about 20 to 30 minutes to allow some of the moisture to drain out -the salt will help with this process. While you’re waiting for the zucchini, mix the salmon spread by adding all the ingredients together except the salmon. When everything is incorporated, flake up the smoked salmon and gently fold into the cream cheese mixture and refrigerate.

Take the zucchini out of the strainer and discard the water (or save for a smoothie). Mix the zucchini with the egg, flour, onion, garlic, salt, pepper & smoked paprika. Chop up the cooked bacon and stir in the batter. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to rest.

Heat a cast iron skillet to medium high. Add 2 tablespoons of canola oil and fry until golden brown, flip and do the same on the other side. Serve hot with a dollop of salmon spread. Delicious!!!